What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Cadenza?

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (5 complaints), followed by unknown or other (2).

How many 2018 Kia Cadenza complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 7 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Kia Cadenza recalls and problems

1 recall and 7 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Cadenza.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Kia Cadenza recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · reported March 4, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 379,931 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine5
Unknown or other2
Air bags1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 1, 2026 · Air bags
The airbag light randomly came on 2 weeks ago and stayed on , indicating that the airbags would not deploy in the event of an accident. I called my mechanic, who confirmed it was not a warranty item. My car only has about 45,000 miles on it and is well maintained. it has never been in an accident. I dropped my car off…

Nov 18, 2025 · Engine
Complete engine failure due to rods and bearings (same as all other Kia engine recalls currently active). Ironically my car wasn’t included in the recall. Also I’ve noticed that Hyundai has extended the warranty for this same engine in the 2018 Santa Fe basically acknowledging it has a problem but didn’t include the…

Nov 16, 2025 · Engine
No prior issues/light on dashboard as the car was just serviced for coolant hose replacement. On my way home from work, the car stalled and loss power at the light. The signs were giving engine failure due to losing power then a clicking/ticking noise. After pulling over and giving the car a break I tried to restart…

Sep 9, 2025 · Engine
Vehicle has been properly maintained and at 78k miles, while at a stop sign, the engine seized. No warning signs from vehicle appeared.

Feb 4, 2025 · Engine
Failure of Oil Pressure Sensor resulting in oil leaking into wiring harness, this is the same problem with 3.3L engines in other models that KIA has extended coverage. I contacted KIA Customer Care and was told they tracked VIN and not enough Cadenzas had reported the same repair. If the problem is with the engine…

Cadenza model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2015	2	48	1	2
2016	2	14	0	0
2017	2	33	4	1
2018	1	7	0	0
2019	1	5	0	0
2020	1	0	0	0

Across all years, the 2014 Cadenza has the most complaints (111). All Kia Cadenza years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Kia Cadenza, the most recent reported on March 4, 2021 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Cadenza?: Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (5 complaints), followed by unknown or other (2).
How many 2018 Kia Cadenza complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 7 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 1, 2026.